The Territory Labor Government is working towards reducing the amount of waste we generate and increasing the volume of recycling while protecting the environment.
The Territory was one of the first jurisdictions to bring in a ban on single-use plastic bags in Australia and shares the public’s concerns about the environmental impacts of single use plastics. In 2020-21, more than one million containers were returned by Territorians to approved depots under the container deposit scheme.
The Territory Government is building on the success of these initiatives to explore the concept of a circular economy, and its potential to play a key role in building local opportunities for emerging industries. The circular economy approach acknowledges and seeks to minimise the environmental, cultural and health impacts that are commonly associated with modern waste economies.
The Territory Government has today released the Draft Circular Economy strategy for public comment.
The draft Strategy is the NT’s plan to implement the National Waste Action Plan, focusing on turning waste into a resource and creation of local jobs.
Demand for wastes such as concrete, crushed glass, timber, tyres, wastewater and plastics will reduce wastes going to landfill in the NT and reduce the demand for virgin materials.
The Strategy will also create opportunities for small businesses and local markets, potentially reducing costs on importing materials from interstate.
The Strategy articulates a number of initiatives including:
Phasing out and banning problematic single use plastics by 2025;Implementing achievable and cost effective targets for use of recycled content in building and civil construction;Strengthening the NT’s procurement framework to incentivise use of recycled materials in government funded projects;Investing and supporting business creation and industry development in resource reuse and recycling;Encouraging innovation and adoption of resource recovery and recycling technology through partnerships and collaborations with research institutions and industry.
To have your say on the draft Circular Economy strategy visit: [https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/circulareconomy]
Quotes from the Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler:
“The Territory Labor Government wants to see our environment and lifestyle protected for future generations which is why we have ensured a robust, clear and transparent set of rules, regulations and guidelines are in place to protect our environment.
“Reducing waste is the responsibility of all Territorians, industry, business and all tiers of government. We have seen that this year alone more than one million containers were returned by Territorians to approved depots under the container deposit scheme, this is what a circular economy does, it support business and jobs.
“Applying circular economy principles means turning waste into a valuable resource, which means it is kept out of the environment where it can cause harm, and inside the economy where it can create value, jobs and growth.”
Northern Territory Government
